BRAND NEW: The Neural DSP NANO CORTEX is here!!!
Published on 18 September 2024
It’s the news that all digital guitar fans have been waiting for.
Neural DSP have just announced the release of a brand new device, and it is set to change the game all over again.
It’s called the Nano Cortex, and here’s everything you need to know…
The Nano cortex
So, what is the Nano Cortex? Put simply, it’s a compact, portable amp, cab and effects solution for basically all guitarists looking for an easy way to enjoy great tone.
You could say that this is what the Quad Cortex is - and you wouldn’t be wrong! - but this new Nano Cortex is a different proposition altogether. As you’ll see from the pics, this is much more of a ‘super stompbox’ affair, with no LED screen and only two footswitches. Inside, though, is a supremely powerful tone machine with a host of features that you are going to learn all about right now…
The Box Itself
So, the Nano Cortex is small (14.4cm long), light (620g) but otherwise a real heavyweight. Designed for gigging guitarists and bassists, the whole concept is to offer a range of excellent tones from the Quad Cortex, but in a much simpler and more affordable design. It can be used as a USB audio interface (utilising USB C) as well, so Neural quality tones can be used in your recordings. A major consideration for producers!
Talking of tones, the Nano Cortex works either standalone or in conjunction with the Cortex Cloud app, so you can access and save your favourite tones, and use sounds that other users have uploaded.
The chassis is built to a similarly tough standard as the QC, and the two foot switches are the same as that unit’s too: they double up as knobs/encoders, saving space and furthering the efficiency of the design. There’s jack connections for input, two outputs, power, headphones and one for an expression pedal that doubles for MIDI.
Fixed Audio Path
Guitarists familiar to the QC and to modelling/FX units in general will be used to the idea of ‘audio paths’. It basically refers to the elements you can have between your guitar going in and your sound coming out. For the Neural Nano Cortex, it’s a little like this:
2 Pre-effects slots, for a noise gate and a transpose (changing pitch)
1 Neural Capture slot (generally for an amp model)
1 IR loader for cabinet simulation (‘IR’ stands for ‘impulse response’ and mimics who a physical speaker reacts to soundwaves, making a big difference to these digital tones)
3 Post-effects slots for modulation, delay and reverb effects.
Whilst not exactly comprehensive, there is still most of what the majority of players need to have a successful gig or session. The whole point isn’t to be all-singing all dancing, of course - the Quad Cortex already does that - but to be as effective as possible with a tiny footprint and the minimum of fuss.
App Editing
As mentioned, the way to get the best out of the Nanocortex is to use it in tandem with the integrated Cortex Cloud app. You’ll have access to endless ‘captured’ sounds (created by Neural and also by the community of owners) but you’ll also get much deeper editing access than the pedal will otherwise grant you. For effects, you’ll get all of the parameters you’d expect from a complex stompbox, and for IR and cabs you’ll be able to change speaker type, virtual mics, mic positions and both high & low pass filters to zero in on your perfect tone. All on your phone!
Performance Mode
Performance mode is how Neural anticipate most players will use their Nanocortexes. Basically, it’s 4 user-determined sounds or patches, accessed via the two footswitches. In essence, there is no ‘on/off’ in this mode: you get a sound for each ‘on/off’, so there’s two sounds per footswitch. Again, simplicity and effectiveness are the keys here.
Capturing
Central to the whole notion of digital modelling with Neural DSP is the concept of capturing sounds directly from the source. This is a feature of the Nano Cortex and is something that massively opens it up in terms of scope.
Basically, you can connect a device (Neural use a distortion pedal in their demo video but it’s not restricted to just that) and hold the Capture button for three seconds. This begins the process, and once it’s done, you can save your work to the device. How cool is that? Just think of the ways in which you’ll be able to customise the sounds to your own gear, or indeed gear that your friends have! The possibilities are endless.
Who Needs a Nanocortex?
Having read the blog, do you think the Nano Cortex is something that appeals to you?
I’d be surprised if you didn’t, since it’s like a mini Swiss Army Knife of tone for your guitar. Who couldn’t use one of these?!
Here are some obvious groups of musician who will benefit from owning a Nano Cortex:
- Gigging players who need a portable rig (it literally fits in your jacket pocket!)
- Players who need a home practice tool that sounds amazing
- Music producers who need loads of different guitar and bass tones
- Gigging players who need a quality fly rig or backup rig
- Anyone who records guitars
To be honest, I can’t think of any guitar or bass player who wouldn’t benefit from the Nano Cortex. Even QC owners may prefer to use this in certain situations, and they’ll still have access to all of their usual sounds.
The Neural Nano Cortex is basically a portable, easy to use, versatile device that delivers professional, inspiring sounds.
Neural DSP have done it again.
Click to View the Neural Nano Cortex
